Change in Occupational Education Programs: A Study of Local Administrative and Community Factors Affecting Program Change in Public Secondary Schools.

Bennett, Lawton E.

With an emphasis on the role of local school administrators, this study focused on a change model for occupational education programs involving: (1) motivation, (2) structure and authority, (3) goal development, (4) resources, (5) mobilization, and (6) outcomes. The study, based on interviews with 23 public school superintendents, revealed that there is ample motivation to change and expand occupational education programs. Also, it was found that local support for occupational education programs is widespread, thus contributing to the climate necessary for change. However, obstacles to change were noted, such as the ability to obtain and effectively utilize sufficient resources for program implementation. Cost, in particular, was identified as the primary obstacle to change. In discussing strategies for overcoming obstacles, the study recognizes two major limitations regarding program innovation--the limited power of a superintendent and the boundaries of the superintendent's ambitions for the system. (JS)